Rural Properties

Country and rural village properties have a distinct charm but they also come with special risks. It is essential to include property inspection in your offer to purchase a rural property. Rural homes range from new construction to century log or stone construction. Expect anything and everything – from basements with dirt floors to innovative energy systems. Many rural homes have alternate heating and/or energy systems such as wood, pellet, wind, solar or photovoltaic. Most rural properties have a septic system and well. (Ground-source heat pumps may require an additional well.)

It is better to inspect septic systems when the ground is soft – from late spring until frost in fall. Make sure your septic system inspector is qualified by Ministry of Natural Resources as an installer and inspector.

At the minimum you should test well water for bacterial contamination and have the septic system checked by a qualified installation inspector. The local health unit offers this service and can provide testing bottles and instructions.

If members of your family are taking medication, the discharge may harm or kill the useful microbes in the septic system, reducing it’s effectiveness. If you wish more detailed testing, you will probably have to go to a private laboratory. Also, if the home has a water softener, you may want to ensure that there is an untreated supply for drinking water for testing.

For general guidelines on the inspection process, please see our FAQs section.

Inspect first! To book a DCI inspection online click here; email us at info@doublecheckinspections.ca,
or call 1-613-322-3682.

Central Mortgage and Housing Canada (CMHC) www.cmhc.ca has a wealth of information on home ownership, some of which is noted below. CMHC is located at 800 Montreal Road in Ottawa. You may wish to e-mail or contact them by: telephone at 1-800-688-2642, or by fax at 1-800-245-9274

Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) also has useful information, some of which is listed following.

• Dwellings: Energy Conservation
• Consumers Guide to Buying Energy-Efficient Windows and Doors
• Dwellings: Insulation
• Insulation: Heat
• Keeping The Heat In